HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – In Holyoke Wednesday, a badge pinning ceremony was held for the Holyoke Fire Department’s newest recruits.

Nine probationary firefighters were sworn into the department.

Among them was Lawrence Jackson, Jr., who had his new badge pinned on him by his father, also a Holyoke firefighter. Jackson said it was a huge honor.

“It’s a very proud feeling for myself. For me, it’s like following in his footsteps. He’s been a major role model my whole entire life. It’s part of the reason why I did the Marine Corps prior to the fire department and now in the fire department,” Jackson, Jr. said.

“My hope is that he goes further than me, becomes chief of the department,” his father, Lawrence Jackson, said.

There are still nine more weeks of training for the nine probationary firefighters.